Binoculars: How to Use Them

Binoculars have a central focus wheel and a diopter focus adjustment. The diopter is often part of the right-hand eyepiece. The purpose of this is to compensate for the differences between your two eyes, this is because no two eyes are the same or have the same ability to focus. Adjusting both the diopter focus and the central focus is how you get the clearest image from your binocular.

In using your binocular, do not forget to use your binoculars neck strap. This will help you avoid accidents like dropping your binoculars. The strap keeps the binocular safe around your neck and against your chest, within easy reach in your hands. Some binocular users also prefer “binocular harness”, its straps is over your shoulders and across the back to distribute the weight of the binocular.
Example, you plan to go bird watching with your friends or family, and might question yourself, if you are doing the right thing with your binocular, here are some tips that will guide you through the process of using your binocular for bird watching:

Start by adjusting the distance between the two barrels of your binocular so that they are the right width for your eyes. Adjusting them too far or too close will make your image some clack edges in your view. Having a spacing with the right width will give you a perfect view. Second, find something to focus on, for example a dark tree branch against the blue sky. Focus with both eyes open by turning the central focus wheel. Now it’s time for the fine focusing, close your right eye and, using only your left eye, adjust the focus wheel. Next, close your left eye and using the diopter adjustment, bring your view into sharp focus. Lastly, open both your eyes and see if your focus is now crystal clear. If in case the image is still not clearly focused, repeat these steps, making small adjustments using one focus wheel or the other.

Keep in mind that the view through your binoculars, with the diopter adjustment, should appear almost three-dimensional. It should really pop out at you and be crystal clear. Another thing, your eyes should not have to work hard when using your binoculars.